Biomedical subjects

Daniel Imbeau

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel Imbeau.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Comparison of three computer office workstations offering forearm support: impact on upper limb posture and muscle activation.

The aims of the study were: 1) to determine whether resting the forearms on the work surface, as compared to chair armrests, reduces muscular activation; 2) to compare the sensitivity of different electromyographic (EMG) summary parameters. Eighteen healthy subjects performed computer work (with keyboard and mouse alternately) for 20 min while resting their forearms on a work surface adjustable in height (Workstation A), on the chair's armrests with an adjustable workstation (Workstation B) or on their chair's armrests with a non-adjustable workstation (Workstation C). The EMG amplitude of the trapezius and deltoid muscles was little influenced by the workstations, whereas their EMG variability increased with Workstation A, which was interpreted as a positive effect. However, the EMG amplitude of the mouse-side extensor digitorum muscle was higher with Workstation A. Alternating between resting the forearms on the work surface and on the chairs' armrests could solicit different muscles during computer work, and could be considered as a strategy for preventing musculoskeletal disorders. The new exposure variation analysis summary parameters used were sensitive to small workstation changes, thus supporting their use in future studies.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Physical exposure of sign language interpreters: baseline measures and reliability analysis.

Measurement of physical exposure to musculoskeletal disorder risk factors must generally be performed directly in the field to assess the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions. To perform such an evaluation, the reliability of physical exposure measures under similar field conditions must be known. The objectives of this study were to estimate the reliability of physical exposure measures performed in the field and to establish the baseline values of physical exposure in sign language interpreters (SLI) before the implementation of an intervention. The electromyography (EMG) of the trapezius muscles as well as the wrist motions of the dominant arm were measured using goniometry on nine SLI on four different days. Several exposure parameters, proposed in the literature, were computed and the generalizability theory was used as a framework to assess reliability. Overall, SLI showed a relatively low level of trapezius muscle activity, but with little time at rest, and highly dynamic wrist motions. Electromyography exposure parameters showed poor to moderate reliability, while goniometry parameter reliability was moderate to excellent. For EMG parameters, performing repeated measurements on different days was more effective in increasing reliability than extending the duration of the measurement over one day. For goniometry, repeating measurements on different days was also effective in improving reliability, although good reliability could be obtained with a single sufficiently long measurement period.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Training the next generation of researchers in work disability prevention: the Canadian Work Disability Prevention CIHR Strategic Training Program.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to create, disseminate, and implement new knowledge in the work disability prevention (WDP) field. Training programs attracting high-quality applicants and taking into account the complexity of this emerging field are urgently needed. METHODS: An advanced training program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), was developed by 24 mentors affiliated with nine different universities. The main objective of this program is to develop transdisciplinary knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding WDP. This program has been developed for PhD students or post-doctoral fellows already registered full-time in a Canadian or recognized foreign university whose main interest is WDP, regardless of the health problem. RESULTS: Since its implementation, the program received two successive cohorts of 10 students. They were registered in 13 universities in five countries and trained in nine different disciplines. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCES: Appropriate WDP research may save major societal costs attributable to prolonged work disability. The proposed training program will contribute to developing tomorrow's research workforce.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2004

Left-handed versus right-handed computer mouse use: effect on upper-extremity posture.

Alternatives to reduce postural constraints have to be sought in order to reduce musculoskeletal complaints related to computer work. This study aimed at documenting the impact of using the mouse on the left side of a standard keyboard (with a right numeric keypad) on upper-extremity posture. A simulated computer task was performed by 27 subjects in a laboratory before and 1 month after ergonomics training. Shoulder flexion and abduction, as well as wrist extension were reduced with left-handed mouse use. Sixteen of the 27 subjects truly converted to using the mouse with the left hand. After a month of using the mouse with the left hand, the time required to perform the same task reduced, the perceived difficulty and discomfort improved, though the time to perform the task was still longer than when using the mouse with the right hand. For work involving both keyboard and mouse use, and without the need of the numeric keypad, it would probably be preferable to use a keyboard without the numeric keypad if the mouse is to be used on the right-hand side. If such keyboards are unavailable, an interesting alternative would be to use the mouse on the left side provided sufficient time is allowed to get accustomed to it.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The cross-cultural adaptation of the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire in Canadian French.

The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) is a new work disability measurement tool assessing the perceived impact of a health problem on the worker's ability to perform his job. The objective of this study was to make the cross-cultural adaptation of the WRFQ for the French Canadian population. The methodology was composed of five steps: forward translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, revision by an expert committee and test of the pre-final version. The psychometric properties of the translated version were evaluated by administering the questionnaire to forty workers with a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Results indicated good content validity and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha > 0.80 for each scale). Construct validity was tested and confirmed through three hypotheses: (1) subjects with MSD scored higher for the Physical, Work Scheduling and Output demands scales than for the Mental and Social demands scales, (2) subjects having back pain had lower scores than subjects having pain at other body sites and (3) subjects with an MSD had lower scores than healthy workers working full time. This study confirmed that the process used for the adaptation of the Canadian French version of the WRFQ was successful and that this version had good psychometric properties.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Work-related research, education, and training in developing countries.

Work-related research, education, and training (WRET) have not been widely recognised in many developing countries (DCs) as the most important factor for sustainable workplace improvement. There are many reasons why WRET is still neglected or remains unrecognised. Empirical research, advanced studies, and training abroad do not seem to be cost-effective for many people living in DCs because of enormous obstacles. Therefore, it is not easy to demonstrate that WRET result in workplace improvement in diverse situations in each DC. Taking into consideration poor health and safety in various workplaces, this paper aims to stimulate critical opinions and discussions on WRET, which are yet to be given high priority in the national agenda to ensure industrial production and social progress.

Developing Countries↗

PubMed1996

Comparison of Two Methods for Judging Distances Near Overhead Power Lines.

Sixteen certified crane operators performed several series of boom movements toward a segment of a typical power line using a 100-ton lifting capacity crane equipped with an 18-m boom, a single lifting cable, and a hard ball hook. The operators were instructed to stop the crane movement when the lifting cable reached the edge of the danger zone located 3 m from the power line. To achieve each maneuver, they evaluated the distance between the nearest wire and their crane using two methods: free sighting and the use of highly visible markers delineating the edge of the danger zone. The dependent measure was the distance between the lifting cable and the edge of the danger zone. Results showed that operators were generally unreliable when judging the distance between their crane and the power line when sighting the power line directly, but the use of markers proved to be much more precise and reliable in targeting the edge of the danger zone.

crane↗